Sam The Wine Teacher 
2012 St. Nick (Rosé) Hidden Chapel Oliver, BC $19.90 A blend of cabernet sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Riesling. This wine does not resemble a rosé; it looks more like a light red wine. Ruby red in colour with medium intensity. Cranberry and red currant, with a hint of cherry and spice on … Read more
Before the season comes to an end be sure to visit a local farmers market in your area. I’ve always meant to support local farmers’ markets. I understand the benefits of supporting them. It puts money directly into the pockets of the people involved, and you get produce that was likely picked that morning or … Read more
If you are of a certain age, the word Chianti will make you think of the straw-basketed wine fiasco bottles of early college days. Admit it, you stuck a candle in the bottle once it was empty and it became a romantic centerpiece when you decided to impress a date with your culinary skills. … Read more
Provence Restaurants’ chef Alessander Quaglia has submitted a savory summer treat for this weeks Taste of Thursday – Fresh Tomato Tarte. This would make a lovely dinner side dish when sitting on a sunny patio, or as a luncheon served with a fresh salad. The wines that pop immediately into my head tend to … Read more
At the 2015 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, BC wineries took home an impressive amount of hardware. Mission Hill was, once again, recognized as Winery of the Year. It will come as no surprise to fans, that the top ten BC wineries this year, included: Mission Hill, Arrowleaf, Road 13, Church & State, C.C. … Read more
Rob Feenie is one of Vancouver’s iconic chefs and there is no question that he has brought a lot of talent to the Cactus Club team. His Blue Cheese and Apple Coleslaw recipe this week initially presents a few conflicting challenges. Blue cheese immediately makes me think of something sweet, while the apple and salad … Read more
BC Place Stadium was the scene of a great foodie gathering, the culmination of a weeklong celebration of food and drink. The 13th annual EAT! Vancouver was an event that featured everything related to cuisine. There were demos and presentations as well as special exhibits including The Canadian Food Artisan Pavilion, Talk and Taste Stage … Read more
2009 Pinot Noir Stoneboat Oliver, BC Garnet red / brick in colour with medium-deep intensity. Very Burgundian on the nose with aromas of earth, forest floor, dark cherries and meat. Well balanced with the flavours echoing the nose. A medium-long finish with lingering fruit. A nicely aged BC Pinot Noir. 2007 Aces Pocket … Read more
A new wine label has recently hit the shelves of the BCLDB stores, just in time for our late summer enjoyment. Fern Walk is a new label, just launched by Mark Anthony, a wine agent who represents wines from BC and around the world. Some of his better-known lines include, Mission Hill Family Estate, Antinori, Rodney Strong … Read more
When I read Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia’s recipe for Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad with Grilled Prawns and Basil Oil, my mouth watered. Sounds delicious doesn’t it? Drop into Provence Marinaside, at 1177 Marinaside Crescent (at the foot of Davie Street) and give it a try. For a salad, I’d opt for a light white fruity … Read more